Compare & Contrast Essay

Examine the similarities and differences between two or more

objects.

What does a compare & contrast essay include?

• It holds the readers attention• Clearly identifies the subjects that are being

compared (fiction & nonfiction books)• Includes specific & relevant details• Follows a clear plan of organization• Use language & details appropriate for the

audience• Uses transitional words & phrases to clarify

similarities & differences

Fiction & Nonfiction Texts

How are they alike?How are they different?

What did you learn?

Comparing & Contrasting is a process.

Point-by-Point Outline

A point-by-point outline allows you to line up your key points, showing how they relate to one

another.

Point-by-PointOlder Books & Newer Books

Point 1: • Book A: older books feature children as

trouble-free characters• Book B: newer books feature children facing

complex issues

Point-by-PointOlder Books & Newer Books

Point 2: • Book A: older books tend to avoid racial and

social conflicts• Book B: modern books are likely to describe,

in detail, realistic racial and social conflicts

Point-by-PointOlder Books & New Books

Point 3: • Book A: offers the reader an opportunity to

enter a new perspective • Book B: gives the reader a chance to entertain

a new point-of-view

What you will do:

• Read a fiction book & a nonfiction book that deal with the same topic

• Identify the purpose for your comparison• Create a Venn diagram that compares and contrasts the

two books• Fill in a prewriting outline• Write a C/C essay – rough draft• Edit & peer edit• Write a final C/C essay• Choose a book for a movie poster• Create movie poster• Videotape book recommendation

Feature film posters can be all sorts of different.

Documentary movie posters are all sorts of different.

You can do it!It will be fun!

Learning can be fascinating; let it take you to exciting and interesting places. For this to

happen, you have to be involved.